A Middle School Chemistry Curriculum for the Only Science Teacher in the Building
Chemistry Complete – Middle School is a ready grades 6–8 chemistry core for the only science teacher in a school: 20+ resources on matter and its properties and on atoms, elements and the periodic table. It gives you an accurate, ordered chemistry strand to teach from, a compact package you can build out with demonstrations or pair with the physics or life science curriculum to fill the year.
See the chemistry curriculum →Chemistry Complete – Middle School is a no-prep chemistry curriculum for grades 6–8 with 20+ resources, from $149.90. It covers states of matter, mass, volume, density, solubility, physical versus chemical changes, atomic structure at a conceptual level, elements, compounds, symbols, periodic table patterns, and metals and nonmetals, with inquiry practices throughout. It gives a solo middle school science teacher a sequenced chemistry core to teach from and extend.
The curriculum
Chemistry Complete – Middle School, Grades 6–8
Start with the full curriculum. The other resources below are optional add-ons. Open any cover for the full contents and price.
Chemistry Complete – Ready-to-Use Curriculum for Middle School Chemistry
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Biology Complete – Ready-to-Use Curriculum for Middle School Biology
STEM Complete Curriculum Bundle | Grades 6–10
Teach-Life-Balance: The Complete Time-Saving Course for Teachers (incl. Planner, Guides & Templates)
The real problem
Middle school chemistry, taught by whoever the science department is
When one teacher is the whole science department, chemistry tends to be taught in the shortest time with the least equipment. It is also the strand most likely to go wrong on content without a colleague to check. Density is hard for twelve-year-olds because it ties mass and volume together, and students who only memorize the formula never understand why a large log floats while a small pebble sinks. Physical and chemical changes look obvious until students try to classify dissolving sugar or melting wax. Atomic structure at the middle school level needs to be simple enough to grasp and accurate enough not to need unlearning in high school. The periodic table is often taught as a chart to memorize rather than a set of patterns, such as metals on one side and nonmetals on the other. Safety adds another layer. Without a lab partner or department head, you are solely responsible for every demonstration you run. A compact, well-sequenced chemistry core lets you put your attention where it belongs: choosing safe demonstrations and explaining concepts clearly.
Why it fits
What it gives a single science teacher in chemistry
The value is in clear concepts and a sensible order, not in volume.
- Mass and volume are taught before density, so students reason about floating and sinking instead of memorizing.
- Physical versus chemical changes include the borderline cases students argue about, which builds real understanding.
- Atomic structure stays conceptual, simple enough for middle school without content to unlearn later.
- Periodic table patterns and metals versus nonmetals teach the table as a map, not a memory test.
- Elements, compounds and symbols are connected, giving students the language they need for high school chemistry.
Getting started
A two-week start for middle school chemistry
One possible opening, built around matter before atoms.
- Sort matter by stateBegin with states of matter using objects from around the room. Students describe solids, liquids and gases in their own words before learning the formal properties.
- Measure mass and volumeHave students measure both for a few everyday objects with whatever balance and containers you have. Those numbers become the raw material for density.
- Build density from dataLet students calculate density from their own measurements and predict which objects float. Testing predictions in a tub of water is cheap, safe and memorable.
- Argue physical versus chemicalPresent short scenarios like rusting, melting and dissolving, and have students classify them with evidence. Disagreements show you who understands the difference.
- Preview atoms and elementsEnd the second week by asking what everything is made of. It sets up atomic structure and the periodic table without rushing into memorizing symbols.
Which version
Picking a version and filling the science year
The $149.90 base version includes the 20+ resources. For $189.90 you also get Teach-Life-Balance, a digital time-saving course with a planner, guides and templates; it contains no chemistry lessons. Because this is a compact package and you are likely teaching more than one science, combining it with Physics Complete or Biology Complete – Middle School often makes sense. Code TEACHMORE15 gives 15% off when you buy two or more Complete Curricula, and all of them share the same structure. The STEM Complete Curriculum Bundle Grades 6–10 is a separate option for a broader collection.
Honest limits
Know what you are getting
This is a chemistry core of 20+ resources, not a full year of daily lessons on its own. Plan to add demonstrations, review and other science units. No chemicals, glassware or safety equipment are included, and you are responsible for deciding which activities are safe in your room. It is written for U.S. middle school classrooms; check it against your state science standards. For use by colleagues, send Teach Lessons a short message first. If it is not a fit, you can exchange it within 7 days for store credit of equal value, not cash.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Does it meet NGSS or state standards?
It is not endorsed, certified or adopted by NGSS or any state, and we do not guarantee alignment. Its inquiry practices are described as NGSS-style. It is written for U.S. middle school classrooms, so check its content on matter, atoms and the periodic table against your own state standards.
Can I teach it without a chemistry lab?
Yes, much of it relies on data, diagrams and models. Topics like states of matter, density and physical changes can be explored with everyday materials. No supplies are included, and you decide what is safe to run in your room.
Is this enough for a full year of chemistry?
With 20+ resources, it is a focused core rather than a full year of daily lessons. Most middle schools do not teach chemistry for a full year anyway; it usually sits inside a physical science course, where pairing it with Physics Complete makes sense.
How deep does atomic structure go?
It is taught at a conceptual level suited to grades 6–8: what atoms are made of and how that connects to elements, compounds, symbols and the periodic table. It does not go into high school level electron configuration.
Can a sub teach chemistry lessons?
Worksheets with answer keys on topics like periodic table patterns or classifying changes work well for a sub. Keep any demonstrations for days when you are in the room.
Where can I see what is included?
The product page lists everything included. Since the package is compact, compare that list to your physical science plan to see where you will add material.
Teach chemistry concepts accurately the first time
Check the product page for the full contents.
See the chemistry curriculum →